First of all, if you are reading this on a website, thank you for dropping by our brand new home on the Web. Terry Fletcher, a talented Anglo-Indian web-master who lives in Portugal, has remodeled our site. The various pages are filled with information on CTR, how the organization works, who benefits, and up-to-date news items. Thank you Terry, or, as they say in Portugal, 'Obrigado'!

We've been preening ourselves on the kudos "Voices on the Verandah" has received - take a look at readers' comments on our "Voices" page. The books have sold widely, and we now have less than 450 copies left. This could eventually become a collectors' item, so if you haven't already done so, grab your copy before it's too late!

The latest buzz is about our next book: “The Way We Were” which will be published in 2006. As many of you know this is a collection of non-fiction essays about our Anglo-Indian culture and way of life. We invite you to celebrate your own special memories in print. Share your thoughts with family, with friends and indeed with all Anglo-Indians across the globe. August 31st is the cut off date for submissions, and it is approaching with dizzying speed, so send in your contribution soon!

Our activities in India are reaching new heights. More youngsters are now enrolled in educational programs in Loreto - Entally, CAISS, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad. Our latest adoption of a senior's project at “Smile Cares" in Chennai adds another 15 to the over 250 seniors who already receive a CTR funded pension. I'm thrilled that many folks now visit our CTR projects when they are in India. Check out the details on the website - and, of course, I always welcome hearing from you via email .

What's going on around the world? Melbourne had a very successful fundraiser in May and Jen Busby writes on the June fundraiser in Perth “Our dance was a huge success on the 25th. All sold out. 200 tickets [and] I had to post a house full sign. Everyone had a great time and asking when is our next function”. Sydney is planning its annual fundraiser in September and of course there is our Canadian CTR fundraiser in November.

Thank you for being on board with us and for sharing the joy of helping others so much less fortunate than ourselves.